Perry declares Sunday a day of prayer for the oil spill

The governor issued a proclamation today making Sunday a “Day of Prayer in Texas for the Gulf Coast,” the Texas Politics blog reported.

Perry, a Methodist, is encouraging Texans to pray for the lives lost, the environmental damage and the communities whose economies and spirits have been hurt by the oil gushing into the gulf for the past two months.

“The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has impacted numerous lives along the Gulf Coast, especially those families who lost loved ones as a result of this incident,” Perry said in a statement, according to the blog.

The wording of the proclamation emphasizes the role of prayer in strengthening Texas and providing guidance:

WHEREAS, the Gulf Coast has suffered an unfortunate loss of life due to the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which continues to threaten livelihoods, economies and precious coastal wildlife ecosystems with devastation and destruction; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; and

WHEREAS, prayer provides peace and guidance in times of crisis and conflict, and reminds us of the comforting assurance of God’s love for us all; and

WHEREAS, it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow Gulf Coast residents and others across the country and around the world to thank God, seek his wisdom for ourselves and our leaders, and ask him for his merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim Sunday, June 27, 2010, as a Day of Prayer in the State of Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of entire Gulf Coast environment in the wake of this disaster.

Perry has been open about his Christian faith and the impact it has on him as a politician, even as recently as remarks made at the Texas G.O.P. convention earlier this month. Last year, at a church in San Antonio, Gov. Perry said that it’s “extreme to say that our laws should not be inspired and informed by the views of the faithful. Freedom of religion is not to be confused with freedom from religion.”

The Louisiana legislature declared last Sunday a statewide day of prayer, but it looks like they’ll be on their knees again this week: Perry said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley have issued similar declarations and will be joining Texas in its day of prayer this Sunday.